PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Amphibians are recognised as some of Europe’s most endangered species. Loss of key habitat features has contributed to species decline, as intensive land use systems remove ponds, close migration corridors, and limit the availability of foraging, hibernation and overwintering areas. Such factors have particularly affected amphibian species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. Opportunities exist to improve the conservation status of these species in Germany’s Lower Saxony region, where meadows and pastures can be managed to help support species such as spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus), natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), European tree frog (Hyla arborea), moor frog (Rana arvalis) and pool frog (Rana lessonae).
OBJECTIVES
The main aim of the LIFE-AMPHIKULT project was to create reproduction pond sites for the Annex IV Habitats Directive amphibian species Pelobates fuscus, Bufo calamita, Hyla arborea, Rana arvalis and Rana lessonae in meadows and pastures. The ponds should also help support a range of endangered species, including other amphibians (e.g. Triturus cristatus and Bombina variegata), dragonflies, water beetles and hydrophilic plant species. Habitat management interventions were planned in 15 locations, all of which are secured for nature conservation purposes, either as natural reserves or through protected landscape features.
RESULTS
The LIFE-AMPHIKULT project created or improved habitats for six species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, in 20 project areas (5 more than originally proposed). The target species were: Pelobates fuscus, Bufo calamita, Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea, Rana arvalis and Rana lessonae. The European green toad (Bufo viridis) was an addition to the original list of targeted species. A stabilisation and spread of populations of these species was achieved.
The project implemented a range of conservation actions to create or restore amphibian spawning grounds, with the use of large earth-moving equipment (excavators). It created 276 larger water bodies (5 to 27 824 m², with an average of 730 m²): 213 new ponds and 63 existing water bodies that had become unsuitable for amphibian reproduction. The project created 292 smaller water bodies (5-50 m2), more than the 100 originally planned. Large and small ponds were created on all 20 sites, and they had started to become colonised by the target species by the end of the project. The creation of this network of ponds increases connectivity and facilitates the movement of amphibian species across the landscape.
The project constructed 1 685 m of fencing on one site, which enabled grazing to occur to prevent vegetation establishing in open soil areas and to prevent water bodies becoming overgrown, therefore preserving suitable amphibian habitats. Extensive grazing programmes were implemented on two sites. Structural habitat management was also established in the neighbourhood of water bodies through the mechanical clearance of bushes and shrubs over a total area of 19.3 ha. This prevented the shading of water by overgrowth, and was especially favourable for Bufo calamita, Bufo viridis and Hyla arborea.
The project development 20 local action plans, one for each site, which proposed comprehensive interventions to enable future habitat improvements for the target amphibian species; 3 regional action plans were also drafted. The project contacting all the relevant authorities early and continuously, easing the approval process for the action plans. Over 100 direct contacts were made with landowners, gaining several additional sites where conservation actions could be implemented, especially the creation of small ponds. The project raised awareness of amphibian conservation among the public using noticeboardsat sites with frequent visitors (16 boards at 13 sites), the distribution of leaflets, and through a website. The project also established links with other amphibian projects, both nationally and internationally, and participated in a range of networking activities.
A favourable conservation status was reached within the project for the Bufo calamita natterjack toad at one site, for Hyla arborea tree frog at five sites and for Rana arvalis at three sites. For the other project areas, the conservation status for these and other amphibian species was at least improved. Therefore, the project made a substantial contribution to the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive.
Besides providing open water in the landscape favourable to endangered amphibian species, the project will also be beneficial in the context of climate change. At two sites the drainage and mineralisation of boggy sites was stopped, for instance, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.
The project worked with local construction firms to conduct the excavation work, particularly small companies, which provided local socio-economic benefits. Although the contractors started by creating a simple circular small pond shape, after the first year the work was able to focus on creating ponds of diverse shapes and depths, with more shallow-water areas favourable to amphibians. The project used common best-practice methods, which can be easily replicated elsewhere in Germany and in other EU Member States.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).